Bay City Rollers and Middle of the Road guitarist Neil Henderson dies, aged 73

28 September 2026, 13:09

Neil Henderson left the Rollers after their first singles and later joined Middle of the Road.

Neil Henderson, an early guitarist for the Bay City Rollers, has died a the age of 73.

Henderson played lead guitar and provided backing vocals in the group from 1970 to 1972, and you can hear him on the singles 'Keep on Dancing' and 'We Can Make Music'.

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"We lost our wonderful dad on Sunday 💙 we’d love to hear any fond memories you have of him 💙," Neil's daughter Heather wrote on Facebook.

"For any family or friends too far away to attend, we will share a webcast link nearer the funeral date, please message me if you would like it 💙"

After quitting the Rollers, Henderson joined another Scottish band Middle of the Road in 1974, playing with the group for several years.

Keep On Dancing (Single Version)

"We are sorry to have to announce the death of Neil Henderson, our original lead guitarist, songwriter and friend," said the band in a statement.

"Neil had been ill for some time and was fighting to recover from a stroke a few years ago.

"We wish to send our sincere condolences to Heather and Shona, his two daughters, and all his family and friends. His memory will live on with all who had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him as will his music."

Middle Of The Road - Everybody Loves A Winner - 1976

In their early years the Bay City Rollers lineup was in a state of constant flux. Henderson had replaced Davie Paton, who had in turn taken over from founding member Greg Ellison.

But Henderson was dissatisfied with the band's musical direction and quit to be replaced by Eric Faulkner who would stay with the group throughout their heyday and – aside from a couple of years in the mid-1980s – would play with the group till their first long-term split in 2000.

"Just heard the very sad news about Neil Henderson, one of the original Bay City Rollers..." said Stuart 'Woody' Wood.

"Though I never met him personally Alan spoke very highly of him. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends🕊"